Putin’s Grip: Unyielding Despite Domestic Storms

In the heart of Moscow, near the iconic Red Square, stands the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. It’s a symbol of resilience, rebuilt after being dynamited by Stalin, now standing tall despite the political storms that swirl around it. Much like the cathedral, Vladimir Putin’s grip on power seems unyielding, even as domestic challenges intensify.

Economic Headwinds: A Looming Crisis?

Malta, with its close ties to Russia, feels the economic pinch. Russian tourists, once a staple at Paceville’s vibrant nightlife and the quieter, more upscale St. Julian’s, have dwindled. Local businesses, like the long-standing Russian restaurant ‘Krasnaya’ on Triq San Gorg, have seen a dip in customers. “It’s not just the sanctions,” says owner Ivan, “people are worried, they’re saving money.”

Back in Russia, the economic crisis is real. Sanctions have halved the value of the ruble, inflation is soaring, and the economy is expected to shrink by 3.5% this year. Yet, Putin’s approval ratings remain steady at around 65%. How does he maintain this support?

Divide and Rule: The Political scene

Putin’s political strategy is akin to Malta’s historic ‘divide et impera’. He’s weakened potential rivals by creating a fragmented political scene. Opposition leaders, like Alexei Navalny, are either jailed or silenced. Independent media is muzzled, with critical voices like TV Rain and Novaya Gazeta facing pressure or closure.

In Malta, where press freedom is strong, we can’t fathom such suppression. Yet, we’ve seen attempts at silencing dissent, like the recent defamation case against journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. It’s a stark reminder that press freedom is a fragile commodity.

Cultivating Support: The Putin Cult

Putin’s image is everywhere in Russia – from billboards to TV screens. He’s portrayed as a strong, decisive leader, a stark contrast to the West’s ‘weak’ leaders. This cult of personality is reinforced by state-controlled media and a network of pro-Kremlin bloggers and trolls.

In Malta, we’ve seen our fair share of political cults too. Think of the ‘Il-Kastell’ phenomenon, where Labour supporters would gather around a castle-like structure during election campaigns. But Putin’s cult is on a different scale, reinforced by state power and resources.

: The 2018 Elections

Next year, Putin will seek re-election. Despite the economic crisis and growing discontent, he’s still the odds-on favorite. But the storm clouds are gathering. Corruption scandals, like the ‘Panama Papers’, have dented his image. And the economic crisis could yet turn into a full-blown crisis.

Back in Malta, we’ll be watching closely. After all, what happens in Russia doesn’t stay in Russia. It washes up on our shores, in the form of tourists, investments, and political trends. So, let’s keep an eye on the storm, and hope that, like the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Russia can weather it and emerge stronger.

“Russia is not just about Putin,” says Maltese-Russian cultural activist, Maria. “It’s about its people, its culture, its history. Let’s not forget that amidst the political storms.”